[Botany • 2023] Lepanthes carrizosana (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from the Southwestern Andes in Colombia

Lepanthes carrizosana Gal.-Tar., Zuluaga & J.S. Moreno, 

in Moreno, Galindo-Tarazona et Tróchez, 2023.

DOI: doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v28iss1.2023.n11 

  Researchgate.net/publication/372157628

 Abstract  

A new species of Lepanthes from the southwestern Andes of Colombia is described, illustrated and compared with morphologically similar species. The new species was found in two localities in the municipality of San José del Salado, in the department of Valle del Cauca, where several new species have been found and described in the past several years.

KEYWORDS: Colombia, Dagua, Lepanthes, ORCHIDACEAE, San José del Salado, sistemática, Valle del Cauca, 

Lepanthes carrizosana Gal.-Tar., Zuluaga & J.S. Moreno.
A, Habit and plant; B, Flower; C, Dissected perianth; D, Lip, column and ovary; E, Lip expanded; F, Pollinia and anther cap.

Drawing by J. S. Moreno based on the holotype.

. In-situ photographs of Lepanthes carrizosana Gal.-Tar., Zuluaga & J.S. Moreno.
 A, Flower; B, Flower from the side; C, Habit and plant.

In-situ photographs by R. Galindo-Tarazona.

Lepanthes carrizosana Gal.-Tar., Zuluaga & J.S.Moreno, sp. nov. 

Lepanthes carrizosana is most similar to Lepanthes darioi Luer & R.Escobar. It can be distinguished by having a pubescent, obovate, bilaminate lip with cuneate connectives (vs. narrowly ovate lip and oblong connectives), and a small appendix with a pair of minute apical lobes that come from a slightly short pubescent, concave base (vs. broadly triangular appendix held directly below the stigma).

Eponymy: The name of the new species honors Julio Carrizosa Umaña, a scientist, environmentalist and thinker with a great vision of the connection between environmental institutionalism and strategies aimed at sustainable development in Colombia. He was the Director of the Institute of Environmental Studies of the National University of Colombia from 1993 to 1998. He currently coordinates the Natural Parks Committee of the Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences. He has been designated a full member of the Colombian Society of Engineers, a full member of the Geographical Society of Colombia, vice president of the Colombian Society of Ecology in 1978, an honorary member of the Cartographic Society of Colombia and the Association of Fisheries Researchers, president of the Environment Committee of the Pan-American Institute of Geography and History between 1973 and 1976, and corresponding member of the Ecuadorian Institute of Natural Resources.

Juan Sebastián Moreno, Robinson Galindo-Tarazona, and Alejandro Zuluaga Tróchez. 2023. Lepanthes carrizosana, A New Species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from the Southwestern Andes in Colombia. Harvard Papers in Botany. 28(1); 89-92. DOI: doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v28iss1.2023.n11 (30 June 2023)  

Researchgate.net/publication/372157628_Lepanthes_carrizosana_a_new_species_from_the_SW_Andes_in_Colombia

Se describe, ilustra y compara una nueva especie de Lepanthes del suroeste de los Andes occidentales de Colombia con especies morfológicamente similares. La especie nueva fue encontrada en el municipio de San José del Salado en el departamento del Valle del Cauca donde se han encontrado y descrito varias especies nuevas en los últimos años.

Colombia, Dagua, Lepanthes, ORCHIDACEAE, San José del Salado, sistemática, Valle del Cauca

[Botany • 2019] Scaphosepalum luannae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species, and S. anchoriferum from north-western Ecuador

Scaphosepalum luannae  Baquero,  

in Baquero. 2019. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v19i3.39971 

 Researchgate.net/publication/337852618

 Abstract

A new species, Scaphosepalum luannae, is described, and new records for Scaphosepalum anchoriferum from Ecuador are presented. Scaphosepalum luannae is superficially similar to S. swertiifolium but its differs in the the dark green leaves, conspicuously nerved at the abaxial side and shiny at the adaxial side, the sub-quadrate petals with a basal lobe at the columnar margin and the lip with a truncate base without lobes with an oblong and flat hypochile. Scaphosepalum luannae and S. anchoriferum were discovered growing sympatrically in a poorly explored cloud forest from north-western Ecuador, near the border with Colombia.

Key words: Ecuador; new species; Reserva Dracula; Scaphosepalum anchoriferum

Scaphosepalum luannae photographs.
 a. Flower of S. luannae: a1. Frontal view, a2. Lateral view B. Flower of S. luannae in situ. c. Lip and petal of S. luannae: c1. Lip, three quartres view. c2. Petal, adaxial view.

Photos by Luis Baquero, based on the holotype.

 Scaphosepalum luannae.
 a. Habit. B. Flower in ¾ view. c. Column and lip. d. Lip, adaxial view. e. Dissected flower.

Illustration by Luis Baquero based on the holotype.

Scaphosepalum luannae Baquero, sp. nov. 

TYPE: Ecuador. Carchi: between Chical y El Carmen, 0°54’42.5” N 78°12’48.7” W, 1750 m, collected by Luis Baquero on 8th of May 2016, LB 3121 (holotype, QCNE).

Diagnosis: Scaphosepalum luannae is similar to S. swertiifolium but it differs in the smaller (7-10 vs. 8-21 cm long), dark green, reflective leaves (vs. light green, non-reflective) conspicuously nerved at the abaxial surface (vs. not conspicuously nerved); the shorter ramicauls (3.5-5.0 vs 4-10 cm long); the well-developed, subquadrate, reflexed osmophores of the lateral sepals (vs. transversely lunate, markedly divergent); the sub-quadrate petals with a callous lobe at the base of the columnar margin (vs. ovate, oblique, ecallose), the lip truncate at the base, elobulate (vs. provided wit minutely auricles); and the flat and oblong hipochile (vs. shallowly concave, more or less oblong in S. swertiifolium) (Fig. 3-4).

Eponymy: This species is named in honor of Luanne Lemmer of Washington State, USA. Luanne, her husband Eric Veach, and their two sons, Malcolm and Nigel, are passionate supporters of conservation and have given important help to Rainforest Trust and EcoMinga for the establishment of the Dracula Orchid Reserve, which now protects this species.

Luis E. Baquero. 2019. Scaphosepalum luannae, A New Species, and Scaphosepalum anchoriferum (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidianae) from north-western Ecuador. Lankesteriana. 19(3); DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v19i3.39971 

 Researchgate.net/publication/337852618_Scaphosepalum_luannae_a_new_species_from_NW_Ecuador

[Botany • 2018] Scaphosepalum tarantula (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from Ecuador

Scaphosepalum tarantula Baquero & Hirtz, 

in Baquero, Hirtz et Iturralde. 2018.  

DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v18i3.35605  

Researchgate.net/publication/330313103 

[A1, B1, C2, D1] S. fimbriatum

Abstract

A new species, Scaphosepalum tarantula, is described. It is recognized by the medium-sized plants with grey-green leaves suffused with red-brown to purple stains at the petioles; densely fimbriated, red-brown to sanguine flowers, spiky tails of the lateral sepals and a dark sanguine, wingless lip. It is here compared to Scaphosepalum fimbriatum with which it shares similarities.

Keywords: new species, Pichincha, Scaphosepalum fimbriatum, sympatric species

Scaphosepalum tarantula in situ.
 A. Plant and habit. B. Flower in situ. C. Close-up of the apiculate apex of thedorsal sepal.

Photos by L. E. Baquero.

Scaphosepalum tarantula.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Lip extended. E. Lip and column.

Drawn by L. E. Baquero from the holotype.

Scaphosepalum tarantula Baquero & Hirtz, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Species similar to Scaphosepalum fimbriatum, from which it differs by triangular osmophores of the lateral sepals instead of quadrilateral osmophores; the pandurate, dark sanguine lip, with a rhomboid epichile instead of an elliptical-subpandurate, three-lobed, purple lip; and the rhomboid petals versus the subquadrate, oblique petals of S. fimbriatum. 

Eponymy: Named for the large, hairy spiders of which this orchid flower is reminiscent because of the spiky tails of the sepals and dark color.

Comparison between Scaphosepalum tarantula and S. fimbriatum.
A. Frontal view of the flowers: 1. S. fimbriatum,2. S. tarantula. B. Lateral view of the flowers: 1. S. fimbriatum, 2. S. tarantula.  
C. Lateral view of dorsal sepals, column, u petals and lip: 1. S. tarantula, 2. S. fimbriatum. D. Frontal view of the epichile of the lip: 1. S. fimbriatum, 2. S. tarantula.

Photos by L. E. Baquero. 

Comparion of the flowers of Scaphosepalum fimbriatum and Scaphosepalum tarantula.
 A. S. fimbriatum form from Esmeraldas province. B. S. fimbriatum form from Imbabura province.
C–D. Scaphosepalum tarantula.

Photos by A. Hirtz (A–C) and L. E.Baquero (D). 

   

Luis E. Baquero, Alexander Hirtz and Gabriel Iturralde. 2018. Scaphosepalum tarantula (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), A New Species from Ecuador. Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology. 18(3); 231–237. DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v18i3.35605

https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/lankesteriana/article/view/35605

  Researchgate.net/publication/330313103_Scaphosepalum_tarantula_a_new_species_from_Ecuador

  

[Botany • 2022] Euphorbia xiangxiui (Euphorbiaceae, subgenus Esula) • A Remarkable New Species from Jiufeng Mountains in Fujian Province, Eastern China

Euphorbia xiangxiui N.Wei, Q.Yu, G.X.Chen & Q.F.Wang, 

in Yu, Chen, Yang, Wang, et Wei, 2022. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364422X16442668893265 

 Researchgate.net/publication/359551396

Abstract 

Euphorbia xiangxiui, a new species of Euphorbiaceae from Eastern China, supported by morphological and molecular evidence, is illustrated and described here. It can be distinguished from its closest relatives by the combination of several characters, including taller stature (up to 1.6 m), leaves of 5‐18 × 0.6‐3 cm in size, color of primary involucral leaves and cyathophylls changing from pink to rose, fading to green after fruiting, and four to six reniform-rounded concave glands. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on combined nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid ndhF sequences, further supports that E. xiangxiui should be placed in the East Asian Clade of Euphorbia subg. Esula sect. Helioscopia.

Keywords: Euphorbia xiangxiui; Flora of China; leafy spurges; phylogeny; taxonomy

Euphorbia xiangxiui N.Wei, Q.Yu, G.X.Chen & Q.F.Wang

  Yu, Qun; Chen, Guo-Xing; Yang, Yi; Wang, Qing-Feng and Wei, Neng. 2022. A Remarkable New Species of Euphorbia section Helioscopia (Euphorbia subgenus Esula, Euphorbiaceae) from Jiufeng Mountains in Fujian Province, Eastern China. Systematic Botany. 47(1); 259-267. DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364422X16442668893265

  Researchgate.net/publication/359551396_A_New_Species_of_Euphorbia_Esula_from_Fujian_Eastern_China

https://www.cas.cn/syky/202204/t20220412_4831277.shtml

[Botany • 2024] Thismia perlisensis (Thismiaceae) • A New red-annulus Species of Thismia sect. Thismia from Peninsular Malaysia

Thismia perlisensis  Besi & Rusea,

in Besi, Jabar, Rahman, Saad, Ahmadni et Go, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.675.1.1 

 

Abstract

A new species, Thismia perlisensis, found during a scientific expedition in the Perlis State Park, is described and illustrated. The new species was discovered in a wetland forest on a limestone foothill. Morphological description, photographic data including habitat, and a key to the species of the Thismia Sect. Thismia Subsect. Brunonithismia recorded from Malaysia are provided. The new species is easily distinguished from the similar species, T. arachnites, T. javanica, T. tentaculata, and T. kenyirensis by the prominent reddish dome-shaped annulus instead of ring-like with rim, deeply trilobed stigma with bifid and subulate lobes, and claviform apices of the inner tepals.

Key words: THISMIACEAE, endemism, mycoheterotrophic plants, Perlis state, Peninsular Malaysia, plant diversity, Monocots

Thismia perlisensis in the wild.

 Images by Edward Entalai Besi and Muhamad Ikhwanuddin Mat Esa.

Flower’s dissection of Thismia perlisensis.
 A. Plant. B. Flower. C. Claviform apex of an inner tepals. D. Dome-shaped annulus. E. Stamens and pistil. F. Stamens. G. Anther thecae. H. View of the supraconnectives. I, J. Pistil with stigmas straightened showing subulate lobes. B–J spirit-preserved specimens.

 Images by Edward Entalai Besi.

Thismia perlisensis Besi & Rusea sp. nov. 

 Type:—MALAYSIA. Peninsular Malaysia: Perlis State, Perlis State Park, ca. 100 m elev., 4 October 2022, E.E. Besi, M.I. Mat Esa, S.H. Tan, D. Sandin & R. Go EDW136 (holotype UPM spirit collection). 

Diagnosis:—Thismia perlisensis can be easily distinguished from the Thismia arachnites Ridley (1905: 197) and Thismia javanica J.J.Sm. (1910: 32) by the blood-red, dome-shaped annulus (vs. ring-like with rim, orange annulus), prominent trilobed stigma with 1.8 mm long, bifid and subulate lobes (vs. ovate, truncate stigma), and claviform apices of appendages of the inner tepals (vs. subulate apices of appendages of the inner tepals). 

 

Etymology:—The specific epithet is named after Perlis State, the type locality of this species.

 

Edward Entalai Besi, Qistina Anis Mad Jabar, Syamil Abd Rahman, Mohd Zulkifly Saad, Ag Shaffie Ag Ahmadni and Rusea Go. 2024. Thismia perlisensis (Thismiaceae), A New red-annulus Thismia Species from Peninsular Malaysia.  Phytotaxa. 675(1); 1-10. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.675.1.1 [2024-12-02] 

[Botany • 2024] Rhododendron tyaihyonii & R. kantoense • Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae)

 

  the Rhododendron keiskei complex. B–D, Morphological comparisons of:
B, Rhododendron keiskei Suzuki (1932) R. keiskei var. keiskei;
C, Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum;
D, Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. Rhododendron sp.

in Sakaguchi, H.-J. Choi, Yoichi, Takahashi, ..., H.-J. Choi et S.-C. Kim, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288 

 facebook.com: Shota Sakaguchi

 — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

 

Abstract

Unraveling species boundaries is pivotal for evolutionary biology and conservation endeavors. However, it proves challenging in instances where recent speciation is intertwined with complex demographic histories and natural selection processes. The Rhododendron keiskei complex, an evergreen rhododendron distributed in East Asia, consists of a widespread variety (R. keiskei var. keiskei) and a more restricted R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum. Intriguingly, the latter is exceptionally rare yet displays a disjunction that spans approximately 1100 km. This study aimed to elucidate the evolutionary backgrounds of the enigmatic disjunctions of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and to propose species delimitation within the species complex. An integrative approach, combining genomic data (MIG-seq and GBS-derived SNPs) with Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of leaf microstructures was adopted in this study. Phylogenetic analyses revealed significant divergence among the studied rhododendrons. Genetic demographic analyses favored the population models that assumed non-monophyly of two disjunct populations of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum indicating their independent origins. Recent gene flow between the widespread R. keiskei var. keiskei and “var. hypoglaucum” populations were limited due to geographic and habitat isolation factors, even in areas where their distributions overlap. Detailed morphological assessments detected distinctions between morphologically similar “var. hypoglaucum” populations based on leaf microstructures and flowering habits. Our study has shown that the apparent disjunctions of rare rhododendrons are more likely attributed to morphological convergence, possibly due to similar environmental selections in unrelated taxa. The finding highlights the importance of an integrative approach for resolving taxonomic challenges in plant species complexes.

Keywords: demographic modeling, disjunct distribution, East Asia, endangered species, phylogeny, species delimitation

A) Rhododendron tyaihyonii; B) R. kantoense; C) R. keiskei 

R. keiskei var. keiskei

R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum (R. kantoense nom. & stat. nov.)

Rhododendron sp. (R. tyaihyonii sp. nov.; formerly identified as var. hypoglaucum)

A, The geographic distribution of the Rhododendron keiskei complex.
B–D, Morphological comparisons of: B, R. keiskei var. keiskei; C, R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum; D, Rhododendron sp. 
E, Comparison of leaf blade morphology of three taxa, based on the voucher specimens (suppl. Table S1). Note that the leaf morphological variation of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and Rhododendron sp. overlap. — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. 

Distribution: SOUTH KOREA. Jeollanam-do, Yeosu-si, Samseon-myeon. Narrowly endemic to Daesambudo Island.

Ecology: The plants are found on the northern slope of Daesambudo Island. They inhabit coastal rocky places with the evergreen woody species of Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi, Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Camellia japonica L, Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss.

Etymology: The specific epithet, “tyaihyonii”, is named in honor of Chung Tyaihyon (1883–1971), known as the father of plant taxonomy in Korea and the first curator of Sungkyunkwan University Herbarium (Ha Eun Herbarium, SKK). We have a better understanding of Korean flora thanks to his work in the early to mid-1900s.

Korean name: Seom-Jin-Dal-Rae.

Japanese name: Chosen-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

English name: Tyaihyon's rhododendron.

Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. 

≡ Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum Suto & T.Suzuki in Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Formosa 22: 23. 1932 

– Holotype: JAPAN. Kanto District, Tochigi (Shimotsuke), Kanuma, Mt. Ozaku, 1 May 1931, E. Kitamura ST3902 (TAI barcode TAI 119040 [image!] [fl.]; isotype: TNS barcode TNS 55292 [image!]).

Note: Rhododendron kantoense is similar to R. tyaihyonii, the differences being: the latter has petiole 4–7 mm long; stomata type anomocytic; inflorescence with 2–6 flowers.

Distribution: JAPAN. Kanto, Prefectures of Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama and Tokyo. Endemic to the chert and limestone mountain ridges of Kanto District.

Etymology: The specific epithet “kantoense” is derived from the Kanto District, where this species is distributed.

Japanese name: Urajiro-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

Korean name: Il-bon-Huin-Jin-Dal-Rae.

English name: Kanto rhododendron.

 

Shota Sakaguchi, Hee-Joo Choi, Watanabe Yoichi, Daiki Takahashi, Shun K. Hirota, Masayuki Maki, Shoki Murakami, Taichi Harada, Nobuo Kobayashi, Yuji Kurashige, Jun-Ho Song, Hyeok-Jae Choi and Seung-Chul Kim. 2024. Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae). TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288

  facebook.com/100008375208096/posts/3904914266464375

[Herpetology • 2024] Ophisops venustus • Notes on the Ophisops beddomei complex (Squamata: Lacertidae) with the description of a new allied cryptic species from western India

 

Ophisops venustus 

Patel, Vyas, Thackeray, Pal & Mirza, 2024

  

 www.taprobanica.org 

facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation 

Abstract

The lacertid Ophisops beddomei was considered to be widely distributed in the northern and central Western Ghats, and some parts of western India. Recent studies, however, provide evidence of it being a species complex that harbours several morphologically cryptic species. In an attempt to resolve this species complex, we provide a re-description of O. beddomei sensu stricto based on type specimens and fresh material from near the type locality. Additionally, we describe a new species based on a series of 15 specimens from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in western India. The new species is allied to O. beddomei and can be diagnosed from all its congeners by the following suite of characters: a small-sized Ophisops (adult, SVL up to 36 mm); upper eyelid movable; supranasal fused with nasal; two frontonasals; prefrontals not in contact; enlarged tympanic scale present; 46–53 dorsal scales; 28–31 scales at mid-body; 19–21 lamellae underneath the fourth toe; six chin shields; 15–19 scales between symphysis of chin shields and ventral plates; large mental scale, extending beyond first supralabial; 8–11 femoral pores on either side interrupted by 0–1 poreless scales in males and 3–4 poreless scales in females; and subtle colour pattern differences. Molecular data for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene further supports the distinctiveness of the new species and shows an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 8% from O. beddomei sensu stricto. These are among the only lacertids that inhabit high-elevation plateaus and deciduous forests in the Western Ghats and surrounding hill ranges. The findings also indicate that many other similar habitats may harbour as yet undescribed endemic taxa.

Key words : Endemic, hill ranges, Lacerta, plateau, Snake-eyed lizard, taxonomy

Ophisops venustus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species was morphologically diagnosed as Ophisops based on the absence of a distinct collar, presence of a large transparent disc on the lower eyelid, and digits not fringed laterally (Boulenger 1921, Smith 1935). A small bodied Ophisops characterized by (1) snout-vent length up to 36 mm; (2) upper eyelid movable; (3) supranasal fused with nasal; (4) two frontonasals present; (5) prefrontals not in contact; (6) enlarged tympanic scale present; (7) 46–53 dorsal scales; (8) 28–31 scales at mid-body; (9) 19–21 lamellae underneath the fourth toe; (10) six chin shields, ...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘venustus’ is a Latin first/second-declension adjective in the nominative singular given in masculine, which means ‘charming / elegant / beautiful’ refers to its elegant body colouration in life. Suggested English name is charming lacerta or charming snake-eye.

 

 

Harshil Patel, Raju Vyas, Tejas Thackeray, Saunak Pal & Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2024. NOTES ON THE Ophisops beddomei COMPLEX (SQUAMATA: LACERTIDAE) WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW ALLIED CRYPTIC SPECIES FROM WESTERN INDIA. TAPROBANICA. 13(2); 69–81.  www.taprobanica.org/Archives/Volume-9-14-2020-26/Volume-13-Number-2-November-2024/v13i2332.html

  facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1048883850617172

[Botany • 2024] A Taxonomic Monograph of the Eurasian holoparasitic plant Genus Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae)

 Five species of Lathraea: 
 Lathraea squamaria, Lathraea clandestina, Lathraea japonica, Lathraea rhodopea, Lathraea purpurea

in Hatt, Tsiftsis et Thorogood, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.1.1 

 x.com/HattSebastian

Abstract

A taxonomic monograph is presented for Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae), a genus of holoparasitic plants distributed across Europe and Asia. Plants in this genus are characterised by their underground stems, achlorophyllous scales with internal gland-lined cavities, and, in some species, explosive seed dehiscence. Despite their conspicuousness, no taxonomic treatment of the genus has been written since 1930. Our work draws upon extensive international field data and a comprehensive survey of herbarium specimens. Detailed descriptions are provided for each species, along with full synonymy, distribution maps, and notes on habitat, host specificity, phenology, ecology, ethnobotany and threat risk. We present evidence to consolidate Lathraea into five species, resolving taxonomic confusion. The infrageneric classification is reviewed and a key to species is provided. Species are illustrated with photographs of living and dried material.

Lamiales, Lathraea, Orobanchaceae, Lathraea squamaria, Lathraea clandestina, parasitic plants, holoparasite, Lathraea japonica, Lathraea rhodopea, Lathraea purpurea, Eudicots

 

 

Sebastian A. Hatt, Spyros Tsiftsis and Chris J. Thorogood. 2024. A Taxonomic Monograph of the Eurasian holoparasitic plant Genus Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae). Phytotaxa. 672(1); 1-29. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.1.1

  x.com/HattSebastian/status/1860681185006911733

  x.com/thorogoodchris1/status/1860599541025653210

[Botany • 2024] Impatiens bungeusing (Balsaminaceae) • A New species from the Northern Gayo Plateau, Sumatra, Indonesia

 

Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis.,  

in Mustaqim, Arico, Jayanthi, Andini, Pratiwi et Ruchisansakun, 2024.   

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2035 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

Impatiens is a diverse genus within the Balsaminaceae family, comprising over 1,120 species. The northern Gayo Plateau of Sumatra, an island in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its rich Impatiens diversity. In this paper, we described and illustrated a new species named Impatiens bungeusing from this area. This species is most similar to Impatiens vitellina Grey-Wilson but differs in having the distinct abaxial leaf venation in a dry state (vs obscure), lateral sepals falcate-oblong (vs narrowly lanceolate), lower sepals with U-shaped spur (vs straight), broadly ovate dorsal petal (vs ovate), and ovate sub-rhomboidal upper lateral united petals (vs oblong). This discovery brings the total number of known Impatiens species in Sumatra to forty-eight.

Keyword: Ericales, herbs, Impatiens tapanuliensis, Impatiens vitellina, Malesia, limestone plant, taxonomy, Uniflorae

Morphology of Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis., sp. nov.
 A. Plants in habitat. B. Living plant. C. Inflorescence. D. Flower. E. Lateral sepals. F. Dorsal petals. G. Lateral united petals. H. Lower sepal. I. Pedicel and ovary. J. Fruit.

Scale: A = 4 cm, B = 3 cm, C–D = 1 cm, E = 2 mm, F = 3 mm, G–J = 5 mm. Photographs by Wendy A. Mustaqim.

Morphology of Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis., sp. nov.
  A. Plant. B. Leaves showing petiole. C. Leaves showing apex and margin. D. Inflorescence. E. Flower, frontal view. F. Flower, lateral view. G. Pedicel, lower sepal, stamens, and ovary. H. Lateral sepal. I. Dorsal petal. J. Lateral united petals.

Scale: A = 3 cm, B–D = 5 mm, E–G = 1 cm, H = 3 mm, I–J = 5 mm. 

Illustrated by Yuanito Eliazar.

Impatiens bungeusing Mustaqim & Ruchis., sp. nov. 

Type: Indonesia. Aceh Province: Aceh Tengah Regency, Jagong Jeget, ..., 2100 m asl, 11 January 2023, Mustaqim 2577 (holotype: LGS; isotype: MEDA). 

Diagnosis: Impatiens bungeusing is similar to Impatiens vitellina Grey-Wilson. However, it differs in having the distinct abaxial leaf venation in a dry state (vs obscure), flowers with lower sepal having U-shaped spur (vs straight), broadly ovate dorsal petal (vs ovate), and ovate sub-rhomboidal upper lateral united petals (vs oblong) (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet "bungeusing" is derived from the Gayo language. "Bunge" means flower, and "using" means yellow, reflecting the plant's bright yellow flowers.

Wendy A. Mustaqim, Zulfan Arico, Sri Jayanthi, Wanda R. Andini, Devi Pratiwi and Saroj Ruchisansakun. 2024. Impatiens bungeusing (Balsaminaceae), A New species from the Northern Gayo Plateau, Sumatra, Indonesia. Taiwania. 69(4); 554-559. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.554  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2035

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/959589396191752

[Ichthyology • 2024] Chromis abadhah • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

 

Chromis abadhah

L.A. Rocha, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C.R. Rocha & Shepherd, 2024  

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

 

Abstract

A new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) is described from four specimens collected between 95 and 110 m depth in mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Chromis abadhah sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; pearly white body with a large black marking covering the anterior two-thirds of the anal fin. The closest DNA barcode sequence (5.1% average uncorrected genetic distance on the mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis woodsi, a similar mesophotic species known from the coastal western Indian Ocean (Somalia to South Africa). The new species is easily distinguished from C. woodsi by having 13 dorsal spines (versus 14 in C. woodsi), the absence of a black band on the base of the tail (present in C. woodsi), and by the genetic difference.

Key words: COI, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

Holotype of Chromis abadhah, CAS 248401, 68.7 mm SL, shortly after collection.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Chromis abadhah in its natural habitat in Faadhippolhu Atoll, Maldives, at approximately 110 m depth.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

 Chromis abadhah sp. nov.

 Suggested Maldivian name: Abadhah Chromis 

Suggested English name: Perpetual Chromis

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters distinguishes Chromis abadhah sp. nov. from all of its congeners: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; body pearly white; large black marking covering anterior two-thirds of anal fin; small black spot on upper edge of pectoral-fin base; no markings on caudal peduncle.

Etymology: The work that led to the discovery of this species was funded by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative through a Rolex Award for Enterprises to LAR. To honor this initiative, we name this species “abadhah” (pronounced aa-BAH-duh), which means “perpetual” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives. We also hope that this species and its habitat remain perpetual. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd. 2024. Chromis abadhah (Teleostei, Pomacentridae), A New Species of Damselfish from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1219: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

[Herpetology • 2024] Morphological Evolution and Niche Conservatism Across A Continental Radiation of Australian Blindsnakes

Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios 

in Tiatragul, Skeels et Keogh, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae132 

 x.com/PutterT  

Abstract  

Understanding how continental radiations are assembled across space and time is a major question in macroevolutionary biology. Here, we use a phylogenomic-scale phylogeny, a comprehensive morphological dataset, and environmental niche models to evaluate the relationship between trait and environment and assess the role of geography and niche conservatism in the continental radiation of Australian blindsnakes. The Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios, comprises 47 described species of which 46 are endemic to and distributed across various biomes on continental Australia. Although we expected blindsnakes to be morphologically conserved, we found considerable interspecific variation in all morphological traits we measured. Absolute body length is negatively correlated with mean annual temperature, and body shape ratios are negatively correlated with soil compactness. We found that morphologically similar species are likely not a result of ecological convergence. Age-overlap correlation tests revealed niche similarity decreased with the relative age of speciation events. We also found low geographical overlap across the phylogeny, suggesting that speciation is largely allopatric with low rates of secondary range overlap. Our study offers insights into the eco-morphological evolution of blindsnakes and the potential for phylogenetic niche conservatism to influence continental scale radiations.

Scolecophidia, niche conservatism, ecological niche model, nonadaptive radiation, reptiles, speciation

Sarin Tiatragul, Alexander Skeels, J Scott Keogh. 2024. Morphological Evolution and Niche Conservatism Across A Continental Radiation of Australian Blindsnakes. Evolution. 78(11); 1854–1868. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae132

  x.com/PutterT/status/1852174259126439987

งานวิจัยเชิงประจักษ์หลายงานที่ศึกษาในพื้นที่ที่ถูกจำกัดทางภูมิศาสตร์อย่างเช่นเกาะในมหาสมุทร บ่งชี้ว่าการสงวนชีพพิสัย (niche conservatism) เป็นหนึ่งในคุณลักษณะทั่วไปของการแตกแขนงของสายวิวัฒนาการประเภทนี้ ในงานวิจัยนี้ ผู้วิจัยได้ใช้ข้อมูลทางด้านวิวัฒนาการชาติพันธุ์จากจีโนม ข้อมูลทางด้านสัณฐาน และแบบจำลองชีพพิสัยทางสิ่งแวดล้อมของงูดินในออสเตรเลียเพื่อประเมินความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างลักษณะต่าง ๆ ของงูดินกับสิ่งแวดล้อม และบทบาทของสภาพภูมิศาสตร์กับการสงวนชีพพิสัยที่มีต่อการเกิดสปีชีส์ใหม่ของงูดินในออสเตรเลีย ซึ่งมีทั้งหมด 46 สปีชีส์ กระจายตัวในทุกชีวนิเวศของออสเตรเลียโดยอาศัยอยู่ใต้ดิน จากการประเมินพบว่าลักษณะทางสัณฐานของงูดินแต่ละชนิดในออสเตรเลียมีความแตกต่างอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ความยาวของลำตัวมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับอุณหภูมิเฉลี่ยประจำปีของภูมิภาคต่าง ๆ และอัตราส่วนของรูปร่างมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับความแน่นของดิน จากการประเมิน Age-overlap correlation test พบว่าความคล้ายคลึงกันของชีพพิสัยลดลงเทียบกับช่วงเวลาสัมพัทธ์ของการเกิดสปีชีส์ใหม่ แต่ละวงศ์วานวิวัฒนาการของงูดินในออสเตรเลียมีการทับซ้อนทางภูมิศาสตร์ในระดับต่ำ งานวิจัยนี้ได้แสดงให้เห็นถึงกระบวนการวิวัฒนาการของงูดินในด้านสัณฐานและนิเวศวิทยาในเชิงลึก และชี้ให้เห็นถึงความสามารถของการสงวนชีพพิสัยในระดับวงศ์วานวิวัฒนาการหนึ่ง ๆ ที่มีผลต่อการแตกแขนงของสายวิวัฒนาการในระดับทวีปได้